GOVERNMENT believes that the indigenous peoples of Guyana have a fundamental right to full and free participation in all matters of national interest, especially as they pertain to climate change.Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, made this disclosure during a recent national dialogue to support indigenous engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event was held at the Amerindian Village in the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Georgetown.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate that we understand that we possess this right, and will exercise it on behalf of our villages and communities all across Guyana, advocating for the best interests of all indigenous peoples of this land,” Minister Allicock said while addressing the gathering. “We are at a point where we must find ways as peoples, governments, nations, to fight a good fight. We must save our planet. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, had this to say: ‘Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth…these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all,’ Minister Allicock declared.

He challenged the indigenous leaders participating in the confab to offer their expertise in preserving the forest and all things natural. From the government’s side, he said, there is the commitment to settle the indigenous people’s land issues. There is also the commitment to use, record and preserve the languages of the indigenous community.

Emphasising that the two commitments are expressions of a wider commitment to accord the appropriate levels of respect to indigenous peoples, Minister Allicock said a national policy of respect for the indigenous accomplishments in this regard, and the appreciation for knowledge of the eco-system, is needed.

“Government is committed to ensuring that the UNDP initiatives aimed at guaranteeing the exercise of this right remain on track. In this regard, the Amerindian Land Titling Project and the Amerindian Development Fund are continuing, and will be better managed in order to support the efforts of our partners, the UNDP, as we together work to empower our indigenous communities. Land is important to this process,” Allicock underscored.

Minister Allicock also said there is need to embrace every opportunity which allows the responsible exercise of those rights, and to do all things within the framework of the laws of Guyana, to protect those rights.

Adding that climate change is serious business, the minister noted: “We, as indigenous peoples know how to live with our forests. We must share what we know with the rest of Guyana and humanity. It was one Chris Noth who said: ‘We need healthy forests if we want to protect our climate. As the climate changes, forests become more vulnerable to insect outbreaks, droughts and wildfires. Simultaneously, when our forests are destroyed, their carbon is released back into the atmosphere, further impacting climate change.
It’s a horrifying one-two punch.’

He continued: “Historically, we kept the forests, we understand its vulnerability, and know its value. We can win this fight. Let us unite around this opportunity here today. Let us strategise today. Let us fight from here on as a united people. Let us pledge to do our bit to win this fight for all of humanity.

“We have already started in Aishalton and neighbouring villages. We are monitoring our forests. We are doing our own mapping exercises. We are good at whatever we do. We work hard, and celebrate hard. This is a tough universal fight, and we have our role to play.”

Minister Allicock further said that government is prepared to listen. The UNDP is facilitating the conversation because it has that shared understanding and similar values. As such, he said, all must show sincere appreciation to the UNDP partners for all they have been doing with respect to the indigenous peoples of Guyana.
(Rabindra Rooplall)